all after an expensive campaign, a tough economy and four years. >> just the moment that that was for the country, the first african-american president. and it was new for everyone. but you know what? there still is a level of excitement despite the numbers. >> as we move down pennsylvania avenue. >> reporter: already fortress d.c. is taking shape, a lockdown, as the president talks to historians about hitting the right tones in what will be his last inaugural address. despite the fact this is going to be a much smaller affair, it's going to be a lot of excitement, as anita mcbride said. the number of people, nearly double who came to the second inaugural for president bush and president clinton. >> still, that remarkable drop-off from the last time. david kerley, thank you very much. stay warm. >>> and our special coverage of the inauguration starts tomorrow on "gma." and abc news live coverage of the ceremony on monday, starts at 7:00 eastern, with george stephanopoulos and josh elliott co-anchoring. >> busy monday morning. >>> we're going to switch gears now. we're three days away